Summer snack ideas for busy kids

There’s something about summer that brings out the snacking in kids! When they’re home from school, having snacks on hand that they can grab for themselves is a great idea. And if you’re running from activity to activity, it’s helpful when your snack items are portable and easy to clean up. It’s also a good idea to consider the heat if you’re spending all day outdoors but need to take healthy snacks with you. 

Convenience is key, so many of the ideas on this list are finger foods or smaller in size. This way, your kids can still enjoy healthy food choices without hassle. I prefer to put small food items on skewers for easy transport and handling while out of the house. Happy summer snacking!

Frozen yogurt bark with berries

This tasty snack will not last long! All you need is vanilla yogurt and your favourite berries to make this summer treat. 

1. First, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. 
2. Spread the vanilla yogurt evenly over the bottom of the pan to about half an inch. Keep in mind that you don’t want it too thin, but too thick won’t freeze well either. 
3. Sprinkle your favourite berries, such as sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, throughout the surface. Pat the berries lightly so they sit into the yogurt well. 
4. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer for at least two hours. 
5. Remove from the freezer, break into pieces, and enjoy! 

Rainbow fruit kabobs (with yogurt dip) 

There was a time in my kids’ lives when they were such picky eaters. I had to put everything on a stick as a fun way to get them to eat. Rainbow fruit kabobs are a fun way to get all the colours of the rainbow in vitamin form. Choose fruits your children will eat that differ in color. For example, you can try: 

• Watermelon
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Oranges
• Cantaloupe
• Pineapple
• Banana
• Honeydew 
• Kiwi
• Green grapes
• Purple grapes
• Blueberries
• Blackberries

1. Take along a container of vanilla yogurt for dipping. You can add some flavour by sprinkling cinnamon into it for dipping their skewers.
2. Or store these in the fridge alongside the vanilla yogurt so they’re ready when your children get hungry!

Bun-less burger bites

Do your kids love burgers but you don’t want to pack up all the supplies? Bun-less burger bites can be the perfect solution for when you’re on the go. Keeping with the skewer theme, all you need is some easy-to-handle ingredients: 

• Meatballs
• A slice of cheese
• Lettuce
• Cherry tomatoes
• Pickles
• Onions
• Bacon
• Whatever other items your children prefer 

These mess-free bun-less burger bites are a big hit with kids who don’t like sandwiches. 

Melon prosciutto skewers

For a different healthy snack option, melon prosciutto skewers are an easy fix. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your child so there’s no food waste. 

1. Use a melon baller or slice honeydew and cantaloupe melon into cubes. 
2. Alternate melon pieces with slices of folded prosciutto on the skewer.
3. Try mozzarella cheese balls for more variety.

Juicy watermelon (or peach/pear/fruit) slush

Who doesn’t like slushies in the summer? Instead of grabbing a sugar-filled drink, make your own healthy alternative. All you need to make this refreshing drink is watermelon or another fruit of your choice, one lime, and coconut sugar. 

1. Add four cups of watermelon (or another fruit), the juice of one lime, and ¼ cup of coconut sugar to a blender. 
2. Blend the mixture until smooth and place in a shallow, freezer-safe dish.
3. Cover the dish and let it freeze for one hour. 
4. Remove from the freezer and use a fork to scrape any ice that has formed on the sides or bottom. Re-cover and place in the freezer for another two hours. 
5. After two hours, the slush should be almost complete. Use the fork to mash up the crystalized fruit mixture once again. Depending on the freezer temperature and the depth of the pan, you may need to freeze it for another hour. 
6. Once the mixture is uniformly frozen, serve and enjoy! 

Tortellini skewers

If you have pasta-lovers in your house, taking tortellini skewers is a creative way to enjoy it on the go!

1. Use pre-cooked chilled tortellini pasta. Rainbow-colored pasta is always a big hit with my kids! 
2. Add a piece of cold tortellini onto a skewer and alternate with additions of your choice. You can use cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, or pre-cooked veggies for more colour. 
3. If you feel adventurous, take along a container for dipping. Try pesto, balsamic vinaigrette, or marinara sauce for just a few more tasty options. 

Chia seed energy bites

If you want a perfectly sweet and healthy snack, these chia seed energy bites are ideal. They do contain almonds and cashews, so they’re not for someone with a nut allergy or sensitivity. 

They are simple to make in a food processor and roll into ready-to-eat bites after chilling. You can even keep half the dough in the fridge to make up later. 

Pigs in a pretzel

You may know about pigs in a blanket, but have you heard of pigs in a pretzel? This similar concept uses hot dogs or cocktail wieners wrapped with pizza dough. Bake it to eat later for a simple summer snack. 

This simple recipe makes it easy for kids to enjoy a hotdog without taking along buns, so it’s a win-win for everyone! If you want to try your luck at condiments, let them dip into small containers of ketchup or mustard. 

Rainbow veggie pinwheels

Kids love colours and will gravitate to fun foods. Making rainbow veggie pinwheels will get them eating colourful veggies while being mess-free! You can be as creative or as simple as you want to individualize them for your kids. 

Use whole-wheat tortillas to wrap up various multi-coloured items, including: 

• Carrot sticks
• Slices of red, orange, or yellow bell peppers
• Cucumber spears 
• Purple cabbage
• Romaine lettuce
• Spinach

If your little ones like guacamole or hummus, be sure to include it within the wrap. Then, once they’re wrapped, cut the tortilla wrap into 6-8 slices, about 1 inch thick. It will also help keep all the fixings in place while they eat. 

4-ingredient cheesy carrot crackers

This recipe for 4-ingredient cheesy carrot crackers does take work in the kitchen, but it will be worth it! Your children will devour these healthy crackers without realizing they use carrots. And any recipe that only needs four ingredients is a win in my book! 

Strawberry banana granola parfaits

Try making these for an easy way to fill your kids’ bellies. They’re tasty, healthy, and simple for when you’re at home or on the go. You can use canning jars with lids or plastic cups with a cover for easy transport. 

Making them is as easy as alternating layers. Start with vanilla yogurt, sliced strawberries, bananas, and a sprinkling of granola. Repeat the layers until your Mason jar is full, and don’t forget to bring a spoon! 

Remember

Active kids need healthy snacks to fuel them and keep them moving. Summer can bring many days of outdoor running and playing in the sprinkler or at the park with friends. Try making one or more of these fun summer snack ideas and remember to keep everyone hydrated!

---

Check out these other snack ideas:

• Healthy on-the-go snacks for active kids
• 30 healthy snacks for active kids